John Mitchels take on Wolfe Tones in Louth JFC final

The stage is set for an exciting showdown as John Mitchels and Wolfe Tones go head-to-head in the DkIT Sport Louth Junior Football Championship final this Sunday, 27th October, at Páirc Uí Mhuirí, Dunleer with throw-in scheduled for 2.30 pm.

John Mitchels are a club with a proud tradition in Louth football having tasted championship glory twice before, in 1992 and 1998.

They enter the final on a good run having navigated a tough route through Group 4 as their impressive campaign saw them finish second in the group by winning two games and losing one.

The important matches they won came against Cuchulainn Gaels and Sean McDermotts before their quarter-final against Oliver Plunketts and the semi-final against Lannleire both tested their metal.

Manager Jimmy Murphy is keen to see his side take the final step and lift the championship trophy. Speaking ahead of the final, he said: "We have slowly built. We got promoted last year from 3B and unfortunately fell short in the quarter-final of the championship this year.

"We had a good run in the league and a slow enough start in the group stages, but we found our feet and tweaked a few things."

He went on to say: "Fortunately, two good results in the quarter-final and the semi-final against Plunketts and Lannleire. All roads lead to Sunday now, please God and we get the job done."

However, standing in their way are Wolfe Tones a team making their first appearance in a county final since 1941. Their journey to the final has been equally impressive as they finished second in Group 3 and won two out of their three group matches too.

The Tones’ campaign started with a defeat to Oliver Plunketts but they bounced back with dominant victories over St. Nicholas and Na Piarsaigh.

Their knockout performances were no less commanding as they secured a win over Naomh Fionnbarra in the quarter-final followed by a hard-fought victory against O’Connells in the semi-final.

Player Darren Weldon shared his thoughts on the remarkable achievement of reaching the final. He said: “It is great, absolutely great. I have to pinch myself.

“I’m still involved with the lads, and there is a great spirit there at the minute. Thoroughly enjoyable, I am absolutely delighted.”

He added: "A couple of years ago, we were delighted to get out of the group of the championship. Then we were delighted with two quarter-finals, two semi-finals, and the third semi-final we made it through to the final," he explained.

“It has been tough. You think, do you get there, do you get knocked back down, and kind of clinging on to staying there.”

The Tones have found another gear this season and Weldon believes that their experience from past near-misses has toughened them for this final.

Last year, they came heartbreakingly close, losing on penalties after extra time in the semi-final, a memory that still lingers with Weldon.

“We were so close last year, beaten on penalties after extra time. I really thought if we got to another semi-final, the nerves would be gone. I was very impressed with them in the semi-final against O'Connells," he said.

"They are very fit, they're well-structured, and they took their chances at the right time. They haven't been in the final since the 1940s, so what an achievement for them. I think it’s a 50/50 game, and whatever team puts their best foot forward will win, but I don't think there will be much in it."

Weldon is aware of the challenge John Mitchels will pose on Sunday. He said: “The John Mitchels are formidable, that's for sure. They are a league ahead of us, and again they knocked out the heavy favourites, the Oliver Plunketts.

“They know what they are about, they have a really good manager, and they have three or four really standout players. Whoever wins is going to earn it.”

Fans heading to Páirc Uí Mhuirí can expect a close contest as both sides bring strong form into the final. For John Mitchels a victory would cap off a season of progress and build on their promotion success.

Then for Wolfe Tones, the final is the culmination of years of hard work and rebuilding, and a win would be a fitting reward for their persistence.